Animal Safety Research Articles

Animal Welfare or Own Welfare: What Motivates Consumers’ Choice of Cage‐Free Products?

ABSTRACTThis study addresses the puzzle of animal welfare regulations consistently passing by majority votes, despite potential welfare losses evident in market data. To understand this phenomenon, we propose a conceptual framework that considers two possibilities: first, animal welfare might not be valued in the market, as suggested by classical externality analysis, and second, it could be valued due to altruistic motivations. To illustrate the framework, we uncover the motives driving consumers’ demand for animal welfare products jointly utilizing the results of a discrete choice experiment and respondents’ perception data obtained in China. Our findings align with the predictions made by classical externality analysis, indicating that the public good aspect of animal welfare is not valued in this market and thereby challenging the existence of altruistic behavior. Moreover, our analysis of consumer heterogeneity reveals that as consumers’ knowledge increases, they exhibit a decreased inclination to prioritize the animal welfare attribute for fulfilling their private needs, and may raise concerns about the safety of animal welfare‐friendly products.

Distribution and Abundance of Wildlife Roadkills in Jengka, Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia

Malaysia's growing transportation network has increased human impact on wildlife habitats, causing a rise in roadkill cases. This study aims to assess the distribution and abundance of roadkill in Jengka, Pahang. Surveys along selected roads for ten days in March 2022 recorded 72 incidents (0.36 roadkill km-1). The water monitor (Varanus salvator) was the most frequently recorded species with 12 incidents, while the least frequently recorded species, each with 1 incident, included the monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia) and the house rat (Rattus rattus). Species of particular concern based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List Categories included the long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) (Endangered), clouded monitor lizard (Varanus nebulosus) (Near Threatened), and Malayan flat-shelled turtle (Notochelys platynota) (Vulnerable). Main Federal Roads, particularly Jalan Bukit Tajau - Bandar Pusat Jengka (FT62) and Jalan Utama Jengka Utara/Selatan (FT83), had notable roadkill rates of 0.73 and 0.35 per kilometer, respectively. Jalan FELDA 25 (FT1553), linking Bandar Tun Abdul Razak to Jerantut and Kuala Krau, recorded the highest rate at 0.78 roadkill per kilometer, highlighting the need for attention. Proposed actions include wildlife crossings, wildlife warning reflectors and wildlife warning signs in hotspots, and table drains alongside roads. It is also essential to educate drivers on the importance of reducing speed, especially in wildlife crossing zones, to minimize incidents. These findings stress the importance of proactive measures in reducing roadkill and safeguarding wildlife in Jengka, urging collaborative efforts to enhance road safety for both humans and animals.

Elevated total mercury (THg) levels in water sources under the influence of artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in Tanzania.

This study investigated the presence and distribution of mercury in water bodies under the influence of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASGM) activities in Tanzania, which continue to predominantly rely on mercury for gold extraction. Various water bodies available for domestic and animal use in mining communities were sampled from surface water sources in ASGM settlements during the rainy and dry seasons. Water samples were analysed using cold vapour atomic fluorescence spectrophotometer (CVAFS). The results indicate that most of water sources had THg levels above the WHO guideline of 1.0µg/L (1000ng/L) for safe drinking water. The levels were significantly higher during the wet season ranging from 3.4 to 96.3µg/L, whereas the range was from 0.84 to 2.12µg/L during the dry period. The higher THg values during the wet season are likely a result of increased lateral transport (e.g. via enhanced runoff) and physical properties of the waterways. Transportation and resuspension of matrix-bound mercury from surface soils and inflow of contaminated water from unprotected tailings were also observed to be potential means of lateral mercury transport. The lowest concentrations (0.846µg/L) were observed in water samples from the Mabubi River, upstream of a mining village. Downstream of the mining village in the same river, higher concentrations were observed in the Nungwe Bay region of Lake Victoria. In other surveyed mining settlements where there were no nearby rivers, pool water indicated high concentrations of THg, including levels above thresholds for safe human use. Immediate stringent measures are needed in order to ensure human and animal safety at ASGM mining settlements. Future investigation is suggested to focus on the distribution of mercury in different media, assessing the prevalence of different mercury species, and investigating the influence of weather and hydrological conditions on the impacts of mercury to organisms as part of the strategies to mitigate mercury pollution.

Numerical and experimental analysis of structural optimization and flow resistance effect of safety barrier based on a pump device

The safety barrier is often positioned at the entrance of the inlet passage in large and medium-sized low-lift pump stations, to ensure the safety of people and animals. To elucidate the blocking effect of the safety barrier and its influence mechanism on the internal flow of the inlet passage, numerical simulation combined with the physical model test were employed to investigate the impact of the cross-section and bar spacing of the safety barrier on the head loss, and the impact mechanism was clarified. The results showed that the optimal cross-section form of the safety barrier was found to be circular from the standpoint of head loss. When the blockage ratio of the safety barrier exceeds 0.3; prompt clearance of the blockage is recommended.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of fumaric acid for all animal species for the renewal of its authorisation and extension of use (Life SUPPLIES NV)

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the assessment of the application for the renewal of the authorisation of fumaric acid as a technological and sensory additive (functional groups: preservative and flavouring compounds, respectively) and for a new use of the additive as a technological additive (functional group: acidity regulator) for all animal species. The applicant provided evidence that the additive currently in the market complies with the existing conditions of authorisation. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that fumaric acid remains safe under the authorised conditions of use for the terrestrial animals, consumers and the environment. However, the Panel cannot conclude on the safety for the aquatic animals under all authorised condition of use. Fumaric acid is irritant to skin, eyes and respiratory tract, and should be considered a skin and respiratory sensitiser due to the presence of nickel. The Panel also considers that the new use of the additive as an acidity regulator under proposed conditions of use would not introduce risks not already considered. There is no need to assess the efficacy of the additive in the context of the renewal of the authorisation (for its use as preservative and flavouring compound). The Panel is not in the position to conclude on the efficacy of fumaric acid as an acidity regulator in feed.

Isolation and characterization of <i>Salmonella enterica </i> associated with diarrhea in chickens and ducks in Hai Duong province

Salmonella infections, or salmonellosis, represent a significant threat to poultry health and the global poultry industry, leading to considerable economic losses and serving as a major source of foodborne illnesses in humans and animals. Identifying the specific strains present in local poultry farms is crucial for implementing targeted interventions, including the development of effective biosecurity measures, vaccination strategies, and treatment protocols to mitigate outbreaks. This study focuses on isolating and characterizing Salmonella strains associated with diarrhea in chickens and ducks in Hai Duong province, Vietnam. The Salmonella strains were initially isolated using a culture-based method, followed by identification and characterization through Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization/Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF), PCR amplification of the invA gene, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. As a result, 18 Salmonella isolates were obtained, all of which contained the invA gene, indicating its potential significance in Salmonella pathogenesis. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences confirmed that all isolates belonged to the species Salmonella enterica, a well-known causative agent of intestinal diseases in humans and animals. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis revealed that all 18 isolates grouped with Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica strains from China and Korea, suggesting a close relationship with strains circulating in the broader Southeast Asian region. This regional similarity may be attributed to the movement of poultry and poultry products, facilitating the cross-border spread of Salmonella. Our findings underscore the importance of implementing robust biosafety measures throughout the poultry production chain to control the spread of Salmonella, thereby enhancing both animal and food safety.

Behavioral, electrocardiographic, and opercular beat recording characterization of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in immersion bath with different concentrations of tricaine (MS-222)

In the world scenario of farmed fish production, tilapia stands out as one of the most cultivated species. In view of animal welfare in fish farming, stressful practices such as biometrics and transportation are minimized by the use of anesthetic agents, with tricaine (MS-222) being among the most commonly used. Despite its extensive use, its anesthetic responses remain a focus of investigation for animal safety. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the electrocardiographic and respiratory activity of juvenile Nile tilapia exposed to different concentrations of tricaine. In this study, juvenile Nile tilapia (30.9 ± 5.5 g, n = 99) were subjected to tricaine anesthetic baths at concentrations of 150–250 ppm for behavioral analysis and electrophysiological recordings (electrocardiogram and opercular beating). Our results show that induction and recovery of anesthesia with tricaine in juvenile Nile tilapia was effective for a short-term anesthesia with dose-dependence characteristics. Furthermore, the electrophysiological data reveal a marked decrease in heart rate (28.10–44.08 %) and opercular beating (35.72–59.19 %), depending on the concentration of tricaine used, with reversibility during the recovery period. Therefore, we can infer that the safe utilization window for tricaine varies between 150–250 ppm in juvenile tilapia, emphasizing that its administration should consider the anesthetic plan with monitoring of physiological parameters, especially respiratory ones, which are more easily evidenced.

Antimicrobial studies of visible light-responsive nanoflower spheres Bi2WO6/ZnO

The contamination of water resources in recent years has resulted in the dissemination of harmful bacteria via water sources, posing a significant threat to the safety and well-being of humans, animals, and plants. Consequently, there is a growing concern over the health and sanitation of water resources. Photocatalysis, a novel and very effective antibacterial method, has gained significant attention in the area of antibacterial research. Bismuth nitrate pentahydrate and sodium tungstate dihydrate were used in a straightforward hydrothermal process to create nanoflower spheres Bi2WO6/ZnO photocatalytic composites in molar ratios of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4. The first-ever demonstration of the photocatalytic broad-spectrum antibacterial activity of porous nanoflower spheres Bi2WO6/ZnO composites was shown. The samples were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis). The antibacterial activity was evaluated using the dilution coated plate technique, with LED light irradiation. The findings indicate that the Bi2WO6/ZnO composite has a much superior antibacterial activity against both bacteria and fungus compared to individual Bi2WO6 and ZnO. When exposed to LED lighting with an intensity of 35 W, the Bi2WO6/ZnO nanoparticles in a 1:2 ratio at a concentration of 1000 mg/L demonstrated complete antibacterial effectiveness against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus subtilis within 30 min. Similarly, the nanoparticles achieved 100 % antibacterial efficiency against Candida albicans within 90 min. The antibacterial efficacy of 1000 mg/L 1:2 Bi2WO6/ZnO nanoparticles against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was found to be 100 % within 5 min under natural lighting conditions. The findings indicate that Bi2WO6/ZnO nanoparticles have excellent photocatalytic broad-spectrum antibacterial efficacy.

Serum N-Glycan Changes in Rats Chronically Exposed to Glyphosate-Based Herbicides.

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in many herbicides, has been widely used in agriculture since the 1970s. Despite initial beliefs in its safety for humans and animals due to the absence of the shikimate pathway, recent studies have raised concerns about its potential health effects. This study aimed to identify glycomic changes indicative of glyphosate-induced toxicity. Specifically, the study focused on profiling N-glycosylation, a protein post-translational modification increasingly recognized for its involvement in various disorders, including neurological conditions. A comprehensive analysis of rat serum N-glycomics following chronic exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH) was conducted using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The results revealed significant changes in the N-glycan profile, particularly in sialylated and sialofucosylated N-glycans. The analysis of N-glycans across gender subgroups provided insights into gender-specific responses to GBH exposure, with the male rats exhibiting a higher susceptibility to these N-glycan changes compared to females. The validation of significantly altered N-glycans using parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) confirmed their expression patterns. This study provides novel insights into the impact of chronic GBH exposure on serum N-glycan composition, with implications for assessing glyphosate toxicity and its potential neurological implications.

Feeding spent hemp biomass does not adversely affect fertility in rams.

To determine the reproductive effects of feeding spent hemp biomass (SHB) to rams. Several studies suggest cannabidiols negatively affect reproductive characteristics, and the reproductive effects of SHB ingestion have not been investigated in any species. Spent hemp biomass is high in protein and essential fatty acids, indicating a potential use in livestock diets pending studies investigating its safety in animals. Polypay rams approximately 6 months old were randomly assigned to 5 feeding trial groups (n = 7/group): either a low or high concentration of SHB in diet for either 4 or 8 weeks plus a control group. Blood samples were collected for hormone assays. At the conclusion of the feeding trial, the testes were removed, and sperm collected directly from the vas deferens were evaluated for motility (total, progressive, and speed), morphology, and concentration. A section from each ram's testes was formalin fixed, paraffin embedded, and subjected to routine immunohistochemistry to determine the expression of fertility-associated proteins deleted in azoospermia-like and Boule, followed by quantitative image analysis. Rams fed either 10% or 20% SHB for 8 weeks had significantly higher progressive sperm motility compared to controls. There were no significant differences between the treatment and control groups in the other parameters studied. Boule immunoexpression was adversely affected, whereas deleted in azoospermia-like immunoexpression was differentially affected by SHB ingestion. We conclude that up to 20% of the diet can be fed as SHB to rams for 8 weeks without adversely affecting testicular or sperm function. Supplementing young rams with SHB is unlikely to affect fertility.

Study on Rapid, Quantitative, and Simultaneous Detection of Drug Residues and Immunoassay in Chickens.

Different levels of residual drugs can be monitored within a relatively safe range without causing harm to human health if the appropriate dosing methodology is considered and the drug withdrawal period is controlled during poultry and livestock raising. Antimicrobials are factors that can suppress the growth of microorganisms, and antibiotic residues in livestock farming have been considered as a potential cause of antimicrobial resistance in animals and humans. Antimicrobial drug resistance is associated with the capability of a microorganism to survive the inhibitory effects of the antimicrobial components. Antibiotic residue presence in chicken is a human health concern due to its negative effects on consumer health. Neglected aspects related to the application of veterinary drugs may threaten the safety of both humans and animals, as well as their environment. The detection of chemical contaminants is essential to ensure food quality. The most important antibiotic families used in veterinary medicines are β-lactams (penicillins and cephalosporins), tetracyclines, chloramphenicols, macrolides, spectinomycin, lincosamide, sulphonamides, nitrofuranes, nitroimidazoles, trimethoprim, polymyxins, quinolones, and macrocyclics (glycopeptides, ansamycins, and aminoglycosides). Antibiotic residue presence is the main contributor to the development of antibiotic resistance, which is considered a chief concern for both human and animal health worldwide. The incorrect application and misuse of antibiotics carry the risk of the presence of residues in the edible tissues of the chicken, which can cause allergies and toxicity in hypersensitive consumers. The enforcement of the regulation of food safety depends on efficacious monitoring of antimicrobial residues in the foodstuff. In this review, we have explored the rapid detection of drug residues in broilers.

Dhurrin in Sorghum: Biosynthesis, Regulation, Biological Function and Challenges for Animal Production.

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) holds a significant position as the fifth most vital cereal crop globally. Its drought resistance and robust biomass production, coupled with commendable nutritional value, make sorghum a promising choice for animal feed. Nevertheless, the utilization of sorghum in animal production faces hurdles of dhurrin (a cyanogenic glycoside) poisoning. While dhurrin serves as a protective secondary metabolite during sorghum growth, the resulting highly toxic hydrogen cyanide poses a significant threat to animal safety. This review extensively examines the biometabolic processes of dhurrin, the pivotal genes involved in the regulation of dhurrin biosynthesis, and the factors influencing dhurrin content in sorghum. It delves into the impact of dhurrin on animal production and explores measures to mitigate its content, aiming to provide insights for advancing research on dhurrin metabolism regulation in sorghum and its rational utilization in animal production.

Effect of oncolytic Newcastle disease virus harboring PTEN gene on pancreatic adenocarcinoma growth through inhibition of PI3K/mTOR signaling and promotion of apoptosis.

49 Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive and intractable cancer, warranting the need for more effective therapies. Cell proliferation, progression, and severity in PDAC are highly activated owing to KRAS mutations and low PTEN expression. Methods: A recombinant Newcastle disease virus (rNDV) harboring PTEN (rNDV-PTEN) was constructed to infect PDAC cells to artificially induce PTEN expression. The cancer killing effect of the rNDV-PTEN virus was observed in an in vitro assay, and 107.0 pfu/dose(0.1 ml) of the rNDV-PTEN virus was inoculated through intravenous injection into a PANC-1 cell transplanted mouse to prove the tumor growth inhibition effect. Apoptotic signaling-related proteins were analyzed with Western blotting and qPCR assays based on the mRNA. During the treatment, biomarkers were also analyzed. Results: Factitious PTEN expression in KRAS-mutated PDAC cells following rNDV-PTEN infection lowered PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling, induced PDAC cell death, and suppressed tumor growth. PTEN overexpression promoted apoptotic and autophagic signaling pathways in PANC-1 cells and orthotopic xenograft mice. rNDV-PTEN has substantial cancer cell-killing effects and inhibits tumor growth. rNDV-PTEN injection into animals did not elicit an immune response against rNDV and improved blood parameters, such as glucose, triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels. Conclusions: rNDV-PTEN showed a strong tumor-suppressive effect on PDAC, which was caused by an abnormally activated PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway due to KRAS mutations and PTEN loss. We also showed that rNDV-PTEN is relatively safe for use in cancer therapy. Further studies using patient-derived PDAC cells with the same genetic background, as well as more extensive animal safety tests, are required to demonstrate rNDV-PTEN as a PDAC therapeutic. However, PTEN gene-containing rNDV may be a very promising therapeutic candidate for pancreatic cancer treatment.

Investigating the anti-inflammatory effects of icariin: A combined meta-analysis and machine learning study

ObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to define the superiority of icariin and its derivatives' anti-inflammatory activities and to create a reference framework for evaluating preclinical evidence. This method combines machine learning and meta-analysis to identify underlying biological pathways. MethodsData came from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. SYRCLE was used to evaluate the risk of bias in a subset of research. Meta-analysis and detailed subgroup analyses, categorized by species, genders, disease type, dosage, and treatment duration, were performed using R and STATA 15.0 software to derive nuanced insights. Employing R software (version 4.2.3) and the tidymodels package, the analysis focused on constructing a model and selecting features, with TNF-α as the dependent variable. This approach aims to identify significant predictors of drug efficacy. An in-depth literature facilitated the synthesis of anti-inflammatory mechanisms attributed to icariin and its constituent compounds. ResultsFollowing a meticulous search and selection process, 19 studies, involving 370 and 260 animals were included in the meta-analysis and machine-learning assessment, respectively. The findings revealed that icariin and its derivatives markedly reduced inflammation markers, including TNF-α and IL-1β. Additionally, machine-learning outcomes, with TNF-α as the target variable, indicated enhanced anti-inflammatory effects of icariin across respiratory, urological, neurological, and digestive disease types. These effects were more pronounced at doses exceeding 27.52 mg/kg/day and treatment durations beyond 31.22 days. ConclusionStrong anti-inflammatory effects are exhibited by icariiin and its derivatives, which are especially beneficial in the management of digestive, neurological, pulmonary, and urinary conditions. Effective for periods longer than 31.22 days and at dosages more than 27.52 mg/kg/day. Subsequent research will involve more targeted animal experiments and safety assessments to obtain more comprehensive preclinical evidence.

Mushroom residue and sheep manure fermentation with Bacillus promoted tomato growth via nutrient release and favorable microbial conditions

BackgroundSheep manure and mushroom residue are common agricultural waste which threaten environment but rich in mineral elements and organic matter. Even though fermentation and adding it to soil for crop growth is a commonly used approach, there are concerns about how efficient the fermentation process is and whether the microbial community remains safe for both the crops and those working in agriculture. We have discovered a composite microbial agent, previously known as CMA, that demonstrates significant efficacy in the fermentation of mushroom residue and sheep manure. Despite its high activity, the impact of this microbial agent on soil nutrient release, soil microbial composition, and plant growth remains still uncertain.ResultsAfter fermenting sheep manure and mushroom residue with Bacillus CMA, this study investigated the fermentation products mixed with vermiculite and perlite for the cultivation of tomato. The results demonstrate that the composite substrate align closely within the ideal range for seedling substrates. Notably, compounded with CMA compost products and vermiculite in a 2:1 ratio, yields the most favorable growth for tomato, which may be attributed to the increased nutrient release and most favorable microbial conditions. Moreover, it significantly decreased the abundance of pathogenic bacteria harmful to human and animal health, thereby reducing the risk to individuals engaged in field labor, and mitigating the threat of plant pathogenic bacteria.ConclusionsSheep manure and mushroom residue fermentation with CMA added significantly promoted tomatoes growth and reduced the risk of diseases in crops, animals, and people. These findings hold significant implications also for the reuse of agricultural biowaste and residues, besides the crop growth and safety of humans and animals in agricultural environments.Graphical

Development of multiplex real-time PCR for simultaneous detection of SARS-CoV-2, CCoV, and FIPV.

Coronaviruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), canine coronavirus (CCoV), and feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), have the potential for interspecies transmission. These viruses can be present in complex environments where humans, dogs, and cats coexist, posing a significant threat to both human and animal safety. In this study, we developed a novel multiplex TaqMan-probe-based real-time PCR assay for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of SARS-CoV-2, CCoV, and FIPV. Specific primers and TaqMan fluorescent probes were designed based on the N region of SARS-CoV-2 and FIPV, as well as the S region of CCoV, which demonstrated a remarkable sensitivity and specificity toward the targeted viruses, as few as 21.83, 17.25 and 9.25 copies/μL for SARS-CoV-2, CCoV and FIPV, respectively. The standard curve constructed by the optimized method in our present study showed a high amplification efficiency within or near the optimal range of 91% to 116% and R(2) values were at least 0.95 for the abovementioned coronaviruses. A total of 91 samples, including six plasmid mixed mock samples, four virus fluid mixing simulated samples, and 81 clinical samples, were analyzed using this method. Results demonstrated strong agreement with conventional approaches. By enabling the simultaneous detection of three viruses, this method enhances testing efficiency while decreasing costs. Importantly, it provides a valuable tool for the prevalence and geographical distribution of suspected and co-infected animals, ultimately contributing to the advancement of both animal and public health.

The safety of overdose and repeat administrations of BCG Danish strain 1331 vaccine in calves and pregnant heifers

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis infection, is a zoonotic disease in cattle that represents a significant ongoing challenge to cattle farming productivity and the livelihoods of livestock farmers in the UK. Vaccination of cattle with BCG could directly target the ability of M. bovis to proliferate within vaccinates, restricting bTB pathogenesis and onward disease transmission, and represent a step change in the tools available to help control bTB in farmed cattle. A Marketing Authorisation (MA) is required before a cattle BCG vaccine could be sold and supplied as a veterinary medicine within the UK and this requires comprehensive data supporting vaccine quality, efficacy and, most importantly, its safety. We carried out two independent Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) studies in which the safety of BCG vaccination in cattle was stringently tested through overdose and repeat vaccine administrations in young calves and pregnant heifers. Mild and generally short-lived reactions to vaccinations were observed in some animals, most commonly increases in body temperature and swelling at vaccine injection sites, but these did not have a negative impact on the overall health status of vaccinates. BCG was not shed in the saliva, faeces, milk or urine from vaccinated animals and its dissemination was limited to injection site tissues and associated lymph nodes. Overall, young calves and pregnant heifers vaccinated with BCG remained in good general health, and the vaccinated pregnant heifers had normal pregnancies and gave birth to healthy calves. Obtaining a Marketing Authorisation for a cattle BCG vaccine is a critical milestone in the progress towards the eventual use of BCG vaccination in cattle as an additional bTB control tool within the UK; these pivotal GLP vaccine safety studies generated the detailed and essential target animal safety data needed to support this.

The use of the complex drug "Optibak®-F" in feeding young ferrets

The use of probiotics and symbiotics allows you to normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract, normalize the microflora, increase immunity, prevent infectious diseases, and increase the safety of livestock. The aim of the research was to study the effect of complex application preparation "OptiBak®-F" in diets on the growth of young ferrets during the growing period. The experiment was carried out on slaughtered young ferrets of pearl type at the ferret farm FSUE "Russian Sable" of Moscow region. It was found that daily introduction of "OptiBak®-F" preparation into ferrets' feed in July-September in the amount of 0,05-0,06 g per head per day increases live weight gain of young animals in a month by 137,2 g (p<0,05) in comparison with animals of the control group. The similar tendency was maintained three weeks after completion of the preparation introduction into the general ration: at the end of September the live weight of young animals was significantly higher by 138.7 g (p<0.05) and was 2003.0 g against 1864.3 g in the control. High safety of young animals was recorded in both groups. Average daily feed intake in the groups was 225 g per head. During the experiment period when "OptiBak®-F" was used, absolute live weight gain of young ferrets in the experimental group was higher than in the control by 109.7 g (795.5 g vs. 685,8 g), relative - by 4.5% (49.6% vs. 45.1%), while feed costs in physical weight per unit of live weight gain decreased by 13.7%, and in terms of feed cost - by 11.0%, taking into account the cost of the preparation.

Gene Editing Cattle for Enhancing Heat Tolerance: A Welfare Review of the “PRLR-SLICK Cattle” Case

In March 2022 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a risk assessment of a recent animal gene editing proposal submitted by Acceligen™. The proposal concerned the possibility of changing the cattle genome to obtain a slicker, shorter hair coat. Using CRISPR-Cas9 it was possible to introduce an intentional genomic alteration (IGA) to the prolactin receptor gene (PRLR), thereby producing PRLR-SLICK cattle. The goal was to diminish heat stress in the cattle by enhancing their heat-tolerance. With regard to unintended alterations (i.e., off-target effects), the FDA stated that the IGA posed a low, but still present, risk to animal safety. The aim of this article is to present some initial insights into the welfare issues raised by PRLR-SLICK cattle by addressing the question: Do SLICK cattle have better welfare than non-SLICK cattle when exposed to heat stress? Two potential welfare concerns are examined. The first is pleiotropy, an issue that arises when one gene affects multiple traits. Given the pleiotropic nature of prolactin, it has been suggested that the IGA for SLICK cattle may also affect their hepatic and other functions. The second concern relates not primarily to direct effects on cattle health, but rather to the indirect risk that this more heat-tolerant animal would just be used in the livestock sector under farming conditions that are such that the net welfare improvement would be non-existent.

Lactobacillus salivarius Ameliorates AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity via PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy in Geese

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is commonly found in feed ingredients and foods all over the world, posing a significant threat to food safety and public health in animals and humans. Lactobacillus salivarius (L. salivarius) was recorded to improve the intestinal health and performance of chickens. However, whether L. salivarius can alleviate AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity in geese was unknown. A total of 300 Lande geese were randomly assigned to five groups: control group, AFB1 low-dose group (L), L. salivarius+AFB1 low-dose group (LL), AFB1 high dosage groups (H), L. salivarius+AFB1 high dosage groups (LH), respectively. The results showed that the concentrations of ALT, AST, and GGT significantly increased after exposure to AFB1. Similarly, severe damage of hepatic morphology was observed including the hepatic structure injury and inflammatory cell infiltration. The oxidative stress was evidenced by the elevated concentrations of MDA, and decreased activities of GSH-Px, GSH and SOD. The observation of immunofluorescence, real-time PCR, and western blotting showed that the expression of PINK1 and the value of LC3II/LC3I were increased, but that of p62 significantly decreased after AFB1 exposure. Moreover, the supplementation of L. salivarius effectively improved the geese performance, ameliorated AFB1-induced oxidative stress, inhibited mitochondrial mitophagy and enhanced the liver restoration to normal level. The present study demonstrated that L. salivarius ameliorated AFB1-induced the hepatotoxicity by decreasing the oxidative stress, and regulating the expression of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy in the mitochondria of the geese liver. Furthermore, this investigation suggested that L. salivarius might serve as a novel and safe additive for preventing AFB1 contamination in poultry feed.